Long Corridor

IMG_0259, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

One of the more spectacular features of the Summer Palace in Beijing is the Long Corridor. Over 800 meters long, it is an open air covered walkway that connects the east side of the complex with the area with the Marble Boat.

What makes it so amazing is that the entire length of the hall is covered with murals and pictures on every surface. Many are depictions of courtly life in the Ming Dynasty.

Painted Panels

IMG_0248, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

The Summer Palace was completely renovated last year in anticipation of the tourism influx for the Olympics. This picture illustrates the very bright colors that have been restored. It gives the entire place a very bright look despite the palace being over a hundred years old.

Fungus Rock

IMG_0291, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

Empress Cixi was also fond of large fungus shaped rocks. They are a feature in most Chinese gardens or parks. This one was brought to the Summer Palace form the far north at great expense. It is considered one of the largest rocks of its quality.

Marble Boat

IMG_0265, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

Empress Cixi was warned to use the imperial taxes to build a navy to defend against the French and British. Instead she used the money to restore the Summer Palace from when they burned it down to the ground.

As an inside joke, she had this large marble replica of a gunboat made. It was the frequent site of royal parties. The lack of a navy eventually led to the downfall of the dynasty.

The Empress's Barge

IMG_0267, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

Our host student's father remembered when you could walk out onto the concrete barge. It is now being preserved as an antiquity.

Parents in Love

IMG_0282, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

This couple are the parents of the host family that my son stayed with. He is the head of the science department at the school. She is a former teacher that now works with the government.

They spoke very poor English and usually had a translator for when we were with them. The two were always very affectionate as you can see here because they are sharing an umbrella on a very misty day at the Summer Palace.

Music By The Bridge

IMG_0281, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

This flute player had set up in a pavillion at the shoreline end of the seventeen arches bridge. He had drawn quite a crowd but I don't know whether he was playing for tips or not. In the background you can see colorful umbrellas of people crossing the bridge to the island.

Seventeen Arches Bridge

P1010019, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

Nine is common number in Chinese architecture. This bridge connecting the east side of the Summer Palace in Beijing with the island in the middle of Kunming Lake has seventeen arches total. That way there are nine arches from the center of the bridge to either end.

Bridge Lions

IMG_0276, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

Along the seventeen arches bridge are a serious of lions. There are 544 of them in all and each has a slightly different position or expression.

Gargoyle

IMG_0277, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

The gargoyles at the ends of the seventeen arch bridge are considered some of the finest stone carvings of their type. In the mist is a pagaoda on the far side of Kunming Lake.

Water Recreation

P1010026, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

The Summer Palace in Beijing was a retreat for royalty during the hot months. Analogies to Versailles in size, beauty, and historical significance are all appropriate.

Today is serves as a tourist attraction and recreation area. These paddle boats set amongst the willows and landscaping are normally for rent, but the soggy weather that day kept them at dock.

Water Lilies and Pagodas

P1010027, originally uploaded by yellojkt.

The Summer Palace is a place of serene beauty. This pavillion is set on a mini-island in the lake amongst a bed of enormous water lilies.